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Cesar Chavez High School enters State Competition
Cesar Chavez High School joined 24 other high schools across California in a scholarship competition for $2,000 — funds were from the De La Rosa & Company’s fourth annual Fabric of Society essay competition.
SJ Country Supervisor, Carlos Villapudua appointed to the SJ Council of Governments
San Joaquin County Supervisor, Carlos Villapudua, has been appointed to the San Joaquin County Council of Governments.
Spray Safe- Program to prevent pesticide exposure
By Mayra Barrios
Stockton, CA – Local growers and farmworkers participated in the “Spray Safe” program to prevent pesticide exposure incidents on February 8, 2012, at the Robert J. Cabral Ag Center.
La Raza Galería Posada Sacramento;Partnership with City of Sacramento and new home
Sacramento, CA- La Raza Galería Posada (LRGP), Sacramento’s only non-profit center for Latino/Chicano
and Native American arts and culture announced today that the organization
will move to Miller Regional Park after signing an agreement with the City of Sacramento. La Raza Galería Posada
is currently located in Midtown, Sacramento.
Miller Regional Park is located at the western tip of Broadway on Front Street adjacent to the Sacramento Marina.
The new site will allow significantly enhanced year-round programming, including educational art camps,
outdoor sculptures, movies under the stars and live concerts, as well as the ability to offer artist studios
and future gallery exhibitions. The move, set for spring 2012, coincides with the 40th anniversary of the organization.
“The partnership is a unique and nationally significant move for both La Raza Galería Posada and the City of Sacramento.”
Dave Mitchell, Operations Manager at Department of Parks and Recreation stated. “La Raza Galería Posada will partner
with us at the Miller Park Corp Yard Building, and will be bringing a much needed arts focus to our community to help
fill a gap that budget shortfalls in our Department is not currently able to provide. The vision of Miller Park
becoming an arts hub for Sacramento over time is the right direction for everyone.”
Marie Acosta, LRGP Executive Director said “We couldn’t be more pleased. A partnership with the City offers us
new programming opportunities and the potential to serve a broader community.”
“This move will help preserve the 40 year old legacy of Sacramento’s premier Chicano arts and cultural center”
stated Rudy Cuellar, a founding member of Sacramento’s Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF), the famous artist collective.
As an artist, I am very happy with the move to Miller Park. It’s the right move at the right time.”
IRS Releases the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2012
WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” ranking of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.
The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the IRS each year, lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year. But many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns.
“Taxpayers should be careful and avoid falling into a trap with the Dirty Dozen,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Scam artists will tempt people in-person, on-line and by e-mail with misleading promises about lost refunds and free money. Don’t be fooled by these scams.”
Illegal scams can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division works closely with the Department of Justice to shutdown scams and prosecute the criminals behind them.
The following is the Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2012:
Identity Theft
Topping this year’s list Dirty Dozen list is identity theft. In response to growing identity theft concerns, the IRS has embarked on a comprehensive strategy that is focused on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft cases as soon as possible. In addition to the law-enforcement crackdown, the IRS has stepped up its internal reviews to spot false tax returns before tax refunds are issued as well as working to help victims of the identity theft refund schemes.
Identity theft cases are among the most complex ones the IRS handles, but the agency is committed to working with taxpayers who have become victims of identity theft.
The IRS is increasingly seeing identity thieves looking for ways to use a legitimate taxpayer’s identity and personal information to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund.
An IRS notice informing a taxpayer that more than one return was filed in the taxpayer’s name or that the taxpayer received wages from an unknown employer may be the first tip off the individual receives that he or she has been victimized.
The IRS has a robust screening process with measures in place to stop fraudulent returns. While the IRS is continuing to address tax-related identity theft aggressively, the agency is also seeing an increase in identity crimes, including more complex schemes. In 2011, the IRS protected more than $1.4 billion of taxpayer funds from getting into the wrong hands due to identity theft.
In January, the IRS announced the results of a massive, national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft. Working with the Justice Department’s Tax Division and local U.S. Attorneys’ offices, the nationwide effort targeted 105 people in 23 states.
Anyone who believes his or her personal information has been stolen and used for tax purposes should immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. For more information, visit the special identity theft page at www.IRS.gov/identitytheft.
Phishing
Phishing is a scam typically carried out with the help of unsolicited email or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information. Armed with this information, a criminal can commit identity theft or financial theft.
If you receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), report it by sending it to phishing.
It is important to keep in mind the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS has information that can help you protect yourself from email scams.
Return Preparer Fraud
About 60 percent of taxpayers will use tax professionals this year to prepare and file their tax returns. Most return preparers provide honest service to their clients. But as in any other business, there are also some who prey on unsuspecting taxpayers.
Questionable return preparers have been known to skim off their clients’ refunds, charge inflated fees for return preparation services and attract new clients by promising guaranteed or inflated refunds. Taxpayers should choose carefully when hiring a tax preparer. Federal courts have issued hundreds of injunctions ordering individuals to cease preparing returns, and the Department of Justice has pending complaints against many others.
In 2012, every paid preparer needs to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and enter it on the returns he or she prepares.
Signals to watch for when you are dealing with an unscrupulous return preparer would include that they:
§ Do not sign the return or place a Preparer Tax identification Number on it.
§ Do not give you a copy of your tax return.
§ Promise larger than normal tax refunds.
§ Charge a percentage of the refund amount as preparation fee.
§ Require you to split the refund to pay the preparation fee.
§ Add forms to the return you have never filed before.
§ Encourage you to place false information on your return, such as false income, expenses and/or credits.
For advice on how to find a competent tax professional, see Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer.
Hiding Income Offshore
Over the years, numerous individuals have been identified as evading U.S. taxes by hiding income in offshore banks, brokerage accounts or nominee entities, using debit cards, credit cards or wire transfers to access the funds. Others have employed foreign trusts, employee-leasing schemes, private annuities or insurance plans for the same purpose.
The IRS uses information gained from its investigations to pursue taxpayers with undeclared accounts, as well as the banks and bankers suspected of helping clients hide their assets overseas. The IRS works closely with the Department of Justice to prosecute tax evasion cases.
While there are legitimate reasons for maintaining financial accounts abroad, there are reporting requirements that need to be fulfilled. U.S. taxpayers who maintain such accounts and who do not comply with reporting and disclosure requirements are breaking the law and risk significant penalties and fines, as well as the possibility of criminal prosecution.
Since 2009, 30,000 individuals have come forward voluntarily to disclose their foreign financial accounts, taking advantage of special opportunities to bring their money back into the U.S. tax system and resolve their tax obligations. And, with new foreign account reporting requirements being phased in over the next few years, hiding income offshore will become increasingly more difficult.
At the beginning of this year, the IRS reopened the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) following continued strong interest from taxpayers and tax practitioners after the closure of the 2011 and 2009 programs. The IRS continues working on a wide range of international tax issues and follows ongoing efforts with the Justice Department to pursue criminal prosecution of international tax evasion. This program will be open for an indefinite period until otherwise announced.
The IRS has collected $3.4 billion so far from people who participated in the 2009 offshore program, reflecting closures of about 95 percent of the cases from the 2009 program. On top of that, the IRS has collected an additional $1 billion from up front payments required under the 2011 program. That number will grow as the IRS processes the 2011 cases.
“Free Money” from the IRS & Tax Scams Involving Social Security
Flyers and advertisements for free money from the IRS, suggesting that the taxpayer can file a tax return with little or no documentation, have been appearing in community churches around the country. These schemes are also often spread by word of mouth as unsuspecting and well-intentioned people tell their friends and relatives.
Scammers prey on low income individuals and the elderly. They build false hopes and charge people good money for bad advice. In the end, the victims discover their claims are rejected. Meanwhile, the promoters are long gone. The IRS warns all taxpayers to remain vigilant.
There are a number of tax scams involving Social Security. For example, scammers have been known to lure the unsuspecting with promises of non-existent Social Security refunds or rebates. In another situation, a taxpayer may really be due a credit or refund but uses inflated information to complete the return.
Beware. Intentional mistakes of this kind can result in a $5,000 penalty.
False/Inflated Income and Expenses
Including income that was never earned, either as wages or as self-employment income in order to maximize refundable credits, is another popular scam. Claiming income you did not earn or expenses you did not pay in order to secure larger refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit could have serious repercussions. This could result in repaying the erroneous refunds, including interest and penalties, and in some cases, even prosecution.
Additionally, some taxpayers are filing excessive claims for the fuel tax credit. Farmers and other taxpayers who use fuel for off-highway business purposes may be eligible for the fuel tax credit. But other individuals have claimed the tax credit when their occupations or income levels make the claims unreasonable. Fraud involving the fuel tax credit is considered a frivolous tax claim and can result in a penalty of $5,000.
False Form 1099 Refund Claims
In this ongoing scam, the perpetrator files a fake information return, such as a Form 1099 Original Issue Discount (OID), to justify a false refund claim on a corresponding tax return. In some cases, individuals have made refund claims based on the bogus theory that the federal government maintains secret accounts for U.S. citizens and that taxpayers can gain access to the accounts by issuing 1099-OID forms to the IRS.
Don’t fall prey to people who encourage you to claim deductions or credits to which you are not entitled or willingly allow others to use your information to file false returns. If you are a party to such schemes, you could be liable for financial penalties or even face criminal prosecution.
Frivolous Arguments
Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish claims to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The IRS has a list of frivolous tax arguments that taxpayers should avoid. These arguments are false and have been thrown out of court. While taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, no one has the right to disobey the law.
Falsely Claiming Zero Wages
Filing a phony information return is an illegal way to lower the amount of taxes an individual owes. Typically, a Form 4852 (Substitute Form W-2) or a “corrected” Form 1099 is used as a way to improperly reduce taxable income to zero. The taxpayer may also submit a statement rebutting wages and taxes reported by a payer to the IRS.
Sometimes, fraudsters even include an explanation on their Form 4852 that cites statutory language on the definition of wages or may include some reference to a paying company that refuses to issue a corrected Form W-2 for fear of IRS retaliation. Taxpayers should resist any temptation to participate in any variations of this scheme. Filing this type of return may result in a $5,000 penalty.
Abuse of Charitable Organizations and Deductions
IRS examiners continue to uncover the intentional abuse of 501(c)(3) organizations, including arrangements that improperly shield income or assets from taxation and attempts by donors to maintain control over donated assets or the income from donated property. The IRS is investigating schemes that involve the donation of non-cash assets –– including situations in which several organizations claim the full value of the same non-cash contribution. Often these donations are highly overvalued or the organization receiving the donation promises that the donor can repurchase the items later at a price set by the donor. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 imposed increased penalties for inaccurate appraisals and set new standards for qualified appraisals.
Disguised Corporate Ownership
Third parties are improperly used to request employer identification numbers and form corporations that obscure the true ownership of the business.
These entities can be used to underreport income, claim fictitious deductions, avoid filing tax returns, participate in listed transactions and facilitate money laundering, and financial crimes. The IRS is working with state authorities to identify these entities and bring the owners into compliance with the law.
Misuse of Trusts
For years, unscrupulous promoters have urged taxpayers to transfer assets into trusts. While there are legitimate uses of trusts in tax and estate planning, some highly questionable transactions promise reduction of income subject to tax, deductions for personal expenses and reduced estate or gift taxes. Such trusts rarely deliver the tax benefits promised and are used primarily as a means of avoiding income tax liability and hiding assets from creditors, including the IRS.
IRS personnel have seen an increase in the improper use of private annuity trusts and foreign trusts to shift income and deduct personal expenses. As with other arrangements, taxpayers should seek the advice of a trusted professional before entering a trust arrangement.
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information provided by the IRS
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Majority of dairy-related disease outbreaks linked to raw milk
CDC Report Shows Higher Rates of “Raw” Milk Outbreaks in States Where It’s Legal
The rate of outbreaks caused by unpasteurized milk (often called raw milk) and products made from it was 150 times greater than outbreaks linked to pasteurized milk, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 13-year review also revealed that the states where the sale of raw milk was legal had more than twice the rate of outbreaks as states where it was illegal.
The study, published Feb. 21 in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, reviewed dairy product outbreaks from 1993 to 2006 in all 50 states. The authors compared the amount of milk produced in the United States during the study period (about 2.7 trillion pounds) to the amount that CDC estimates was likely consumed raw (1 percent or 27 billion pounds) to determine the 150 times higher rate for outbreaks caused by raw milk products. Raw milk products include cheese and yogurt.
The study included 121 dairy–related disease outbreaks, which caused 4,413 illnesses, 239 hospitalizations and three deaths. In 60 percent of the outbreaks (73 outbreaks) state health officials determined raw milk products were the cause. Nearly all of the hospitalizations (200 of 239) were in those sickened in the raw milk outbreaks. These dairy-related outbreaks occurred in 30 states, and 75 percent (55 outbreaks) of the raw milk outbreaks occurred in the 21 states where it was legal to sell raw milk products at the time. The study also reported that seven states changed their laws during the study period.
Consumers can’t tell if raw milk is safe to drink by looking at, smelling, or tasting it. Even under ideal conditions of cleanliness, collecting milk introduces some bacteria. Unless the milk is pasteurized, these bacteria can multiply and grow in the milk and cause illness. Pasteurization involves heating milk to kill disease-causing bacteria.
“This study shows an association between state laws and the number of outbreaks and illnesses from raw milk products,” said Robert Tauxe, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director of CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases (DFWED). “Restricting the sale of raw milk products is likely to reduce the number of outbreaks and can help keep people healthier. The states that allow sale of raw milk will probably continue to see outbreaks in the future.”
The study also found that the raw milk product outbreaks led to much more severe illnesses, and disproportionately affected people under age 20. In the raw milk outbreaks with known age breakdowns, 60 percent of patients were younger than age 20, compared to 23 percent in outbreaks from pasteurized products. Children are more likely than adults to get seriously ill from the bacteria in raw milk.
“While some people think that raw milk has more health benefits than pasteurized milk, this study shows that raw milk has great risks, especially for children, who experience more severe illnesses if they get sick,” said study co-author Barbara Mahon, M.D., M.P.H., deputy chief of CDC’s DFWED Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch. “Parents who have lived through the experience of watching their child fight for their life after drinking raw milk now say that it’s just not worth the risk.”
Among other key findings:
· Thirteen percent of patients in raw milk outbreaks were hospitalized compared to 1 percent in pasteurized milk outbreaks. This may be because raw milk outbreaks were all caused by bacteria, such as E. coli O157, which tend to produce more severe illnesses, according to the study.
· Pasteurized milk and cheese outbreaks were often caused by relatively mild infections like norovirus and Staphylococcus aureus.
To view the study, please visit www.cdc.gov/eid. For more information about raw milk, visit http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html.
INTERVIEW: I’m a romantic musician
Andres Gutierrez is a passionate musician and member of the Rondalla Presencia de Amor in Stockton.
Masked Warriors live tour
Lucha Libre USA announced it was embarking on a nationwide tour in major Latino markets throughout the U.S. Among the first dates confirmed is the Stockton Arena on Sunday, March 25, 2012.
The tour, “Masked Warriors Live”, will feature Luchastars such as Lizmark Jr., Super Nova, Pequeño Halloween, Marco Corleone, RJ Brewer, Shane “Hurricane” Helms and special guests appearances of former WWE/WCW star, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Latin Lover, Melina and Mexican legends, LA Parka and Blue Demon Jr.
Often referred to as the second most popular sport in Mexico, Lucha Libre has provided over 70 years of family entertainment.
For Blue Demon Jr., Lucha Libre is beyond a tradition; this sport is part of Mexican Culture. Blue Demond Jr. carries on the legend from his father, Blue Demond — one of the greatest Mexican masked wrestlers.
“The difference between American wrestling and Mexican Lucha Libre is that we are a sport,” said Blue Demond Jr.
“Fan experience and audience participation are very important to us, which is something we incorporate into all our shows. Whether its fans coming [sic] dressed as their favorite Lucha-star, creating signs, or attending our pre-show party, we encourage our audiences to take part in the action,” says Lucha Libre USA’s CEO, Steven Ship
March along US-Mexico border reaches Stockton
Border Angels started its VII Migrant March in San Diego, along US-Mexico Border, stopping at The Council for the Spanish Speaking of the Stockton Dioscese (El Concilio) in Stockton on February 8th on their way to Sacramento to advocate for migrants rights.
Annual Water System Flushing
(Stockton, CA) – The City of Stockton Municipal Utilities Department will conduct annual flushing of the City’s water systems, February 20, 2012 through mid-March.
Water distribution systems require regular flushing to remove sand and mineral deposits that accumulate in the pipelines over time. During the course of flushing, customers may experience slight discoloration of water if a faucet is turned on during or shortly after the pipelines are flushed. If this occurs, customers are asked to turn a faucet on outside the house for a few minutes until the water clears.
Flushing activities will occur between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Flushing in the areas north of Hammer Lane from Lower Sacramento east to State Highway 99 will take place the week of February 20 through February 24. The areas north of Hammer Lane and south of Estate Drive, between Lower Sacramento and Interstate 5, will take place the week of February 27 through March 2. Consumnes, Scott Creek, Trinity Parkway, Mokelumne, Whistler, A. G. Spanos, Iron Canyon and Lonnie Beck will take place the week of March 5 through March 9. Areas south of Hammer Lane will not be affected. All flushing dates are approximate based on actual time it takes to flush each area.
For questions concerning this maintenance process or to report discoloration that persists, please contact the City of Stockton Water Utility at (209) 937-7031.
Sara Cazares starts journey to recovery
Stockton, CA — As the parking behind Stockton Unified School District’s (SUSD) administration building darkened on the evening of Thursday, February 8, 2012, community members gathered in a prayer vigil in support of SUSD’s Board President Sara Cazares. Cazares was hospitalized after suffering a stroke and a subsequent aneurism on Friday, February 3rd.
DOES IT REALLY MATTER?
Stockton,CA- It seems as though everyone I talk to says they are watching the republican debates. Some wonder: why? While almost everyone was watching the democratic debates a few years ago, they said if the president had not debated, he would not have received the nomination, nor won the election.
“I Make People Laugh”
“My dream is to fill the Stockton Arena… better yet to have the Astrodome in Huston Texas full,” shared Thuggdork, also known as Reggie Galindo, Stockton based comedian.
300 Kids Receive Free Dental Care
Dentists, students and volunteers teamed-up to give kids a healthy smile at the “Give Kids a Smile” event held on February 4th at University of the Pacific’s Stockton dental clinic.
Mexican legends of romantic music to support Jose Hernandez’s U.S. Congressional candidacy
Modesto, CA — Mexican romantic group Los Dandys, along with La Sonora Santanera, will rally support for Jose Hernandez’s congressional race the evening of April 14th at the Modesto Banquet Hall.
THANK YOU
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